This upcoming week, the United States Supreme Court will open its new term, taking on contentious cases that could have dramatic results for Catholics’ religious freedom. Two pivotal cases involving Catholic institutions may reshape the delicate balance between religious rights and state laws, raising critical questions about the boundaries of religious exemption in issues ranging from tax breaks to abortion coverage.
The first case, “Catholic Charities Bureau v. Wisconsin Labor and Industry Review Commission,” involves the Catholic Charities Bureau of the Diocese of Superior in Wisconsin. The state of Wisconsin brought and won a state case claiming that Catholic Charities should not have a tax exemption since it is similar to a secular organization.
Catholic Charities was specifically seeking relief from the state’s unemployment compensation program since it had coverage through the diocese. A previous ruling determined that while Catholic Charities’ services are inspired by Catholic teachings, they are not “fundamentally religious” since similar work could be carried out by secular organizations. Depending on the ruling, the court could set a precedent that may affect religious organizations nationwide. It could rewrite laws that define what constitutes “essentially religious” work, potentially expanding tax and regulatory exemptions for faith-based entities that provide social services, regardless of whether their work overlaps with secular efforts.
The second case is “Diocese of Albany v. Harris.” This case challenges New York state’s mandate requiring religious organizations to include abortion coverage in employee health insurance plans. Religious groups, including Catholic and Anglican orders, rightly argue this law forces them to violate their deeply held beliefs by funding procedures like abortion, which contradict their religious doctrines.
Previous court rulings upheld the state’s mandate, but the plaintiffs argue that it violates their First Amendment rights by compelling them to act against their faith. This case also raises more significant issues of religious liberty and abortion rights, bringing up new debates that have long divided the country. Should the Supreme Court side with the Diocese of Albany, it may lead to significant new measures legislating how states are allowed to regulate health coverage mandates for religious institutions.
One recent Supreme Court ruling from the last term could also have grave effects on the Catholic Church. In a June 27 ruling in “Harrington v. Purdue Pharma L.P.,” the Supreme Court stated that U.S. bankruptcy law “does not authorize a release and injunction that, as part of a plan of reorganization under Chapter 11, effectively seeks to discharge claims against a non-debtor without the consent of affected claimants,” according to SCOTUSblog.
What this may translate into for the U.S. Catholic Church is jeopardizing the more than two dozen dioceses that have entered into bankruptcy proceedings. The High Court stated in the ruling that you can’t settle lawsuits without legal recourse for claimants under U.S. bankruptcy law. This ruling could make null and void the many sexual abuse lawsuits settled through bankruptcy courts.
The Supreme Court’s rulings could redefine the boundaries of religious exemption and have far-reaching implications for Catholic organizations nationwide and are poised to shape the landscape of religious liberties and legal responsibilities for years to come.